Update: The little boy was found safe at home. :0)


A type of helium balloon (live video):

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/18205848/index.html

Story:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21306839/detail.html

(Although it is reported at 7,000-8,000ft or so, keep in mind that Ft Collins is around 5000 ft in elevation at ground level. Still, it is a terrifying situation! I just wanted to get the actual height above ground level in perspective versus the height in elevation of the balloon)

Experts are hoping the balloon gradually loses helium and slowly descends and does so in a flat, unpopulated area.

OH-58 National Guard Helicopter enroute now. Live video on CNN as well...

An aerodynamics experts states the child is probably not on board due to the listing of the balloon (no payload on board). Also, a sibling reported that he fell out (no information as to whether it was immediately after the balloon started to rise or not or how old the sibling is).

News reports is that the father is a weather chaser. Nothing verified. It looks like the balloon was empty - it has landed and the police and paramedics are on the scene and no one is attempting to open it but they have released the air from it.

Hoping for the best for this family.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/15/colorado.boy.balloon/index.html

Latest info is they are hoping he is hiding at home somewhere (worried he is in trouble for messing with the balloon) and was never in it at all.